Avanti Service and Repair Information Latest Topics

Fitting a group 51 or 51R battery into a '63 Avanti

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 12:50:09 +0000

I recently bought a group 51 battery for a '63 Avanti, but now wonder if I should have gotten a 51R (same except terminals reversed). I need to decide while I still have time to exchange it.

The 51/51R battery is smaller and much lighter, is of modern technology, costs less, and lasts longer. What's not to like about a 51/51R (unless you're dedicated to originality)?

The pic below shows a 51R installed in a '63 Avanti. Everything on this car looks well done, so I figure he knew what he is doing. He has re-positioned both hold-down posts and has made a bracket to move the fender-side post forward. It looks like these changes have made using a 51R battery a better choice than a 51, although it looks like either could be used.

The 3EE battery is (LxWxH, inches) 19.3125 x 4.375 x 8.875
The 51/51R battery is ........................9.374 x 5.0624 x 8.8125

The 51/51R is ~0.7" wider -- should be no problem
The 51/51R is ~ 0.75" lower in height -- no problem

Comments?
--Dwight

Shock adjusting

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:56:56 +0000

I could use some help here. I have a NOS set of Avanti rear shocks Part # 1558550. They are adjustable, but I can't read all the instructions on the shocks. Very lightly stamped. I know there are 5 streps but can't make it out as of yet. if someone has the setting info, that would be greatly appreciated. would save my eyes for sure. I'm getting ready to start it after sitting since 1971. I completely tore it down and went through everything. Had tons of NOS parts that were purchased from Youngstown. I would like to drive it again before I die. Have had it since new. But years of sitting in storage with the cars worst enemy Mice, making it there Plaza hotel. it's been a challenge.

Restoring a toasted Avanti dash pad the cheap way

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:43:56 +0000

Well I’ve been playing around with a 63 Avanti I bought out of Phoenix Arizona and yesterday I decided to try to resurrect a really shot dash pad. The pad had actually fallen down far enough to hide the instrument. The Arizona heat had pretty much cooked the dash. The car really deserves a new dash pad but trying to recoup a $2000 plus plus investment can be difficult to do with a run of the mill 63 Avanti. So yesterday I decided to try to repair the dash to bring it to something presentable. I didn’t get a picture prior to starting on the project but the dash pad was really BAD! My first picture is after I heated the underside of the pad by the instruments using a heat gun. I was able to raise it back up to its original location with a 4 1/2 inch by 12 inch piece of plywood and a wood prop from the underside of the plywood to the steering column. I left that prop there through the entire process and removed it prior to paint. I then sanded the top of the pad with 80 grit paper. I also completely cleaned the entire dash with “Prep All” prior to doing any work. All cracks were reinforced with fiberglass mesh to keep the crack from returning. After those repairs were made I started with the bondo. Shaping the bondo a cheese grader was used to rough in the shape followed by 36 grit sand paper to 150 grit to 400 grit. I found a close match to the original elk dash color in a Rustolium spray paint called French Beige.

I have about $25 wrapped up in the project and a good day to day and a half worth of work. It looks pretty decent. Not a new pad for sure but beats what was there and looks better than a carpet covering the pad.

National meet in St Louis

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:55:44 +0000

I just hit the “events” button to find the dates for the National meet this June and it comes up blank. Maybe I’m doing something wrong? If not maybe some event dates should be installed.